Did you know that Charlie Sheen is dead?

Did you know that there are rapists luring victims with crying children?

Did you know that some McDonald’s restaurants are charging African Americans a $1.50 transaction fee?

Of course not – they’re all false. And yet, thousands (okay, I’m taking a guess here) are duped every day with a new urban legend. The three mentioned above are just some of the newest hitting email boxes just this month.

Americans are getting smarter and less urban legends are circulating than the beginning days of email and the Internet, but some sound so convincing that it would be a crime not to pass it on to our loved ones. And then there’s the evil stepchild of the urban legend – the chain letter. You know, the ones that tell a heart-felt story and that you’ll be blessed if you pass it on or will be cursed if you don’t. Where do you go to find answers to give to your Aunt Hilda when she’s trying to warn you that President Obama is the antichrist? I suggest About.com Urban Legends.

David Emery is an avid chronicler of urban legends and popular culture and has written for About.com since 1997. He says, “On this site we’ll debunk, deconstruct, and, wherever possible, simply revel in the strangest, scariest, funniest, most popular tall tales, rumors, and hoaxes people see fit to share, both online and off. I’m pleased to have you join me in what promises to be a constantly entertaining, ever-enlightening exploration of the urban legends and folklore of the digital age.”

You can browse the site for hoaxes by just about any topic. Some are funny, some are disturbing and some will keep you from spreading false rumors about certain preachers. Some strange things are actually true and Emery gives evidence for each. You can even test your own urban legend knowledge. And once you do, you can forward this to Aunt Hilda.

Originally posted here.

This one is so cool, I can hardly stand it. Project 7 is such a simple concept and yet hard to describe fully in short piece, but I’ll do my best. In a nutshell, Project 7 has created a line of everyday consumer goods that give back to seven areas of need. If you purchase a canister of coffee beans, you also end up giving a donation to some wonderful charities worldwide.

Project 7 was founded in 2008 by “social capitalist” Tyler Merrick and his wife Taylor in Southlake, Texas. The Merrick’s goal was to turn the seven deadly sins upside down. For example, instead of focusing on a person who is gluttonous, focus on helping the person who has nothing to eat. The seven areas of need are:

1. Heal the Sick
2. Save the Earth
3. House the Homeless
4. Feed the Hungry
5. Quench the Thirsty
6. Teach Them Well
7. Hope for Peace

Tyler says, “We’re not asking you to buy more stuff, just to change the way you buy.” The product line includes:

• Coffee (Organic and fair trade),
• Bottled Water (local water and bio-degradable material)
• Sugar-Free Gum (Each flavor is tied to a different cause)
• Sugar-Free Mints (Made with reusable and resalable tubes)
• T-shirts (Made from five plastic bottles, organic cotton and eco friendly inks)

Project 7’s 2011 nonprofit partners are:

• A Child’s Right
• Blood: Water Mission
• Camfed
• Children’s Hunger Fund
• DTJ
• Invisible Children
• Partners in Health
• Plant with Purpose
• Restore International
• Samaritan’s Purse
• Trees for the Future
• Trees, Water and People
• World Vision

In addition to purchasing Project 7 products online, you can also find many of products at participating stores including Walmart, Barnes & Noble, Hastings, The Food Emporium and many more – over 3,000 stores nationally.

Grab Bag Sale
You can sample for yourself Project 7’s best products with a grab bag available online. For $25 you’ll receive 1 canister of coffee, 1 pack of gum, 1 tube of mints, 1 bracelet and 1 t-shirt – a $50 value.

There’s plenty more to read online at Project7.com including Tyler’s story, how to get involved with local projects and more.

Continue reading Website of the Week: Project 7 – National Christian Pop Culture | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/christian-pop-culture-in-national/website-of-the-week-project-7#ixzz1QzNfgShx

Question: “What is the proper way to pray?”

Answer: Is it best to pray standing up, sitting down, kneeling, or bowing down? Should our hands be open, closed, or lifted up to God? Do our eyes need to be closed when we pray? Is it better to pray in a church building or out in nature? Should we pray in the morning when we get up or at night before we go to bed? Are there certain words we need to say in our prayers? How do we begin our prayers? What is the proper way to close a prayer? These questions, and others, are common questions asked about prayer. What is the proper way to pray? Do any of the above things even matter?

Far too often, prayer is viewed as a “magic formula.” Some believe that if we do not say exactly the right things, or pray in the right position, God will not hear and answer our prayer. This is completely unbiblical. God does not answer our prayers based on when we pray, where we are, what position our body is in, or in what order we word our prayers. We are told in 1 John 5:14-15 to have confidence when we come to God in prayer, knowing He hears us and will grant whatever we ask as long as it is in His will. Similarly, John 14:13-14 declares, “And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.” According to these and many other Scriptures, God answers prayer requests based on whether they are asked according to His will and in the name of Jesus (to bring glory to Jesus).

So, what is the proper way to pray? Philippians 4:6-7 tells us to pray without being anxious, to pray about everything, and to pray with thankful hearts. God will answer all such prayers with the gift of His peace in our hearts. The proper way to pray is to pour out our hearts to God, being honest and open with God, as He already knows us better than we know ourselves. We are to present our requests to God, keeping in mind that God knows what is best and will not grant a request that is not His will for us. We are to express our love, gratitude, and worship to God in prayer without worrying about having just the right words to say. God is more interested in the content of our hearts than the eloquence of our words.

The closest the Bible comes to giving a “pattern” for prayer is the Lord’s Prayer in Matthew 6:9-13. Please understand that the Lord’s Prayer is not a prayer we are to memorize and recite to God. It is an example of the things that should go into a prayer—worship, trust in God, requests, confession, and submission. We are to pray for the things the Lord’s Prayer talks about, using our own words and “customizing” it to our own journey with God. The proper way to pray is to express our hearts to God. Sitting, standing, or kneeling; hands open or closed; eyes opened or closed; in a church, at home, or outside; in the morning or at night—these are all side issues, subject to personal preference, conviction, and appropriateness. God’s desire is for prayer to be a real and personal connection between Himself and us.

Recommended Resource: Prayer, The Great Adventure by David Jeremiah.

Question: “Why did God choose Israel to be His chosen people?”

Answer: Speaking of the nation of Israel, Deuteronomy 7:7-9 tells us, “The LORD did not set His affection on you and choose you because you were more numerous than other peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples. But it was because the LORD loved you and kept the oath He swore to your forefathers that He brought you out with a mighty hand and redeemed you from the land of slavery, from the power of Pharaoh king of Egypt. Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; He is the faithful God, keeping His covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love Him and keep His commands.”

God chose the nation of Israel to be the people through whom Jesus Christ would be born—the Savior from sin and death (John 3:16). God first promised the Messiah after Adam and Eve’s fall into sin (Genesis chapter 3). God later confirmed that the Messiah would come from the line of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Genesis 12:1-3). Jesus Christ is the ultimate reason why God chose Israel to be His special people. God did not need to have a chosen people, but He decided to do it that way. Jesus had to come from some nation of people, and God chose Israel.

However, God’s reason for choosing the nation of Israel was not solely for the purpose of producing the Messiah. God’s desire for Israel was that they would go and teach others about Him. Israel was to be a nation of priests, prophets, and missionaries to the world. God’s intent was for Israel to be a distinct people, a nation who pointed others towards God and His promised provision of a Redeemer, Messiah, and Savior. For the most part, Israel failed in this task. However, God’s ultimate purpose for Israel—that of bringing the Messiah into the world—was fulfilled perfectly in the Person of Jesus Christ.

Recommended Resource: Faith of Israel, 2d ed.: A Theological Survey of the Old Testament by William Dumbrell.

Question: “What signs indicate that the end times are approaching?”

Answer:
Matthew 24:5-8 gives us some important clues so we can discern the approach of the end times, For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many. You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. An increase in false messiahs, an increase in warfare, and increases in famines, plagues, and natural disastersthese are signs of the end times. In this passage, though, we are given a warning: we are not to be deceived, because these events are only the beginning of birth pains; the end is still to come.

Some interpreters point to every earthquake, every political upheaval, and every attack on Israel as a sure sign that the end times are rapidly approaching. While the events may signal the approach of the last days, they are not necessarily indicators that the end times have arrived. The apostle Paul warned that the last days would bring a marked increase in false teaching. The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons (1 Timothy 4:1). The last days are described as perilous times because of the increasingly evil character of man and people who actively resist the truth (2 Timothy 3:1-9; see also 2 Thessalonians 2:3).

Other possible signs would include a rebuilding of a Jewish temple in Jerusalem, increased hostility towards Israel, and advances toward a one-world government. The most prominent sign of the end times, however, is the nation of Israel. In 1948, Israel was recognized as a sovereign state, essentially for the first time since A.D. 70. God promised Abraham that his posterity would have Canaan as an everlasting possession (Genesis 17:8), and Ezekiel prophesied a physical and spiritual resuscitation of Israel (Ezekiel chapter 37). Having Israel as a nation in its own land is important in light of end times prophecy because of Israels prominence in eschatology (Daniel 10:14; 11:41; Revelation 11:8).

With these signs in mind, we can be wise and discerning in regard to the expectation of the end times. We should not, however, interpret any of these singular events as a clear indication of the soon arrival of the end times. God has given us enough information that we can be prepared, and that is what we are called to be.

Recommended Resource:

Question: “Is it wrong to feel disappointment with God?”

Answer:
Disappointment with God is not necessarily wrong or sinful; rather, it is a part of the human condition. The word “disappointment” means “a feeling of dissatisfaction when ones hopes, desires, and expectations fail to come to pass.” When God somehow fails to satisfy our hopes or doesnt live up to our expectations, disappointment inevitably follows. If God doesnt perform in the manner we think He should, we are disillusioned with Him and dissatisfied with His performance. This can lead to wavering faith in God, especially in His sovereignty and His goodness.

When God doesnt act when we think He should act, it isnt because He is unable to do so. Rather, He simply chooses not to. While this might seem an arbitrary or capricious act on His part, the exact opposite is true. God chooses to act or not to act according to His perfect and holy will in order to bring about His righteous purposes. Nothing happens that is out of Gods plan. He has control of every molecule that floats around in the universe, and Gods will encompasses every act and decision made by every person throughout the world at all times. He tells us in Isaiah 46:11, From the east I summon a bird of prey; from a far-off land, a man to fulfill my purpose. What I have said, that will I bring about; what I have planned, that will I do. Even the birds are somehow part of His foreordained plan. Furthermore, there are times when He chooses to let us know His plans (Isaiah 46:10) and times when He does not. Sometimes we understand what He is doing; sometimes we do not (Isaiah 55:9). One thing we do know for sure: if we belong to Him, whatever He does will be to our benefit, whether we understand it or not (Romans 8:28).

The key to avoiding disappointment with God is to align our wills with His and to submit to His will in all things. Doing so will not only keep us from being disappointed with God, but it will also preclude grumbling and complaining about the events that occur in our lives. The Israelites in the desert griped and questioned God on several occasions, despite having seen miraculous displays of His power in the parting of the Red Sea, the provision of manna and quail in the wilderness, and the glory of the Lord that followed them in the form of a pillar of fire (Exodus 1516; Numbers 14:2-37). Despite Gods continual faithfulness to His people, they grumbled and were disappointed with God because He did not act as they thought He should. Rather than submitting to His will and trusting Him, they were in a constant state of turmoil and confusion.

When we align our wills with Gods will and when we can say, with Jesus, Not my will but yours be done (Luke 22:42), then we find the contentment Paul spoke of in 1 Timothy 6:6-10 and Philippians 4:11-12. Paul had learned to be content with whatever God sent his way. He trusted God and submitted to His will, knowing that a holy, righteous, perfect, loving, and merciful God would work all things together for his good because that is what He promised. When we see God in that light, we cant possibly be disappointed with Him. Rather, we submit willingly to our heavenly Father, knowing that His will is perfect and that everything He brings to pass in our lives will be for our good and for His glory.

Recommended Resource:
Disappointment with God by Philip Yancey

The U.S. Supreme Court refused to hear recently an appeal against a ban by a New Jersey school district on seasonal religious music being played in public schools.

The high court declined to hear without comment an appeal filed by Michael Stratechuk and his two children against the South Orange-Maplewood school district in New Jersey which implemented the ban, The Christian Post said.

John Whitehead, founder of The Rutherford Institute told OneNewsNow that he was not surprised. “The public schools are intentionally being secularized right now. I mean, when you can’t actually sing a few Christmas songs at Christmas time along with ‘Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer’ and the other songs we hear during Christmas, we’re in bad trouble…in the public schools.”

Whitehead told OneNewsNow that public schools are turning into atheistic settings. “What it does is…it discriminates against a whole class of citizens — Christians, Jews and others — who actually believe in God, but especially Christians during Christmas time. It is not a good trend.”

Under the policy songs like “Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer,” “Frosty the Snowman,” and “Winter Wonderland” are acceptable, but not “Silent Night,” or “Joy to the World,” according to Education Week.

The ban was upheld by the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Philadelphia last November, even though the judges noted that religious songs during the holiday season had not been objected to before, The Christian Post said.

The Appeals court decision said, “Certainly, those of us who were educated in the public schools remember holiday celebrations replete with Christmas carols, and possibly even Chanukah songs, to which no objection had been raised,” according to Education Week.

Nonetheless, it upheld the ban saying school authorities should decide “how to best create an inclusive environment in public schools.” Attorneys of Stratechuk said the policy is unconstitutional and gives the impression that the government is sponsoring a message of disapproval and hostility towards religion, according to The Christian Post.

Richard Thompson, counsel for Stratechuk argued, “The constitution does not require our public schools to become religion–free zones. Forcing students to strip all religious content from music is like asking them to study art history while excluding paintings from the Renaissance because they contain religious subjects,” The Christian Post reported.

Since its implementation, it is not only religious Christmas songs that have been banned from public schools—even seasonal images including Christmas trees are not allowed, according to The Christian Post.

Some 6.400 students are served in nine schools in the School District of South Orange and Maplewood. Stratechuk’s children were students at Columbia High School and Maplewood Middle School, The Christian Post said.

Question: “How do I know which of God’s promises are for me?”

Answer:
There are literally hundreds of promises in the Bible. How can we know which promises apply to us, which promises we can claim? To frame this question another way, how can one tell the difference between general promises and specific promises? A general promise is one that is given by the Holy Spirit to every believer in every age. When the author penned the promise, he set no limitations on time period or recipient.

An example of a general promise is 1 John 1:9, If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. This promise is based on the forgiving nature of God and is available to all believers everywhere. Another example of a general promise is Philippians 4:7, And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. This promise is made to all believers who, refusing to worry, bring their requests to God (v. 8). Other examples of general promises include Psalm 1:3; 27:10; 31:24; John 4:13-14 (note the word whoever); and Revelation 3:20.

A specific promise is one that is made to specific individuals on specific occasions. The context of the promise will usually make clear who the recipient is. For example, the promise of 1 Kings 9:5 is very specific: I will establish your royal throne over Israel forever. The preceding and following verses make it clear that the Lord is speaking only to King Solomon.

Luke 2:35 contains another specific promise: And a sword will pierce your own soul too. This prophecy/promise was directed to Mary and was fulfilled in her lifetime. While a specific promise is not made to all believers generally, the Holy Spirit can still use a specific promise to guide or encourage any of His children. For example, the promise of Isaiah 54:10 was written with Israel in mind, but the Holy Spirit has used these words to comfort many Christians today: my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed.

As he was led to take the gospel to the Gentiles, the apostle Paul claimed the promise of Isaiah: I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth (Acts 13:47). Isaiahs promise was originally meant for the Messiah, but in it Paul found guidance from the Lord for his own life. When claiming a promise from Scripture, we should keep the following principles in mind:

1) Promises are often conditional. Look for the word if in the context.
2) God gives us promises to help us better submit to His will and trust Him. A promise does not make God bend to our will.
3) Do not assume to know precisely when, where, or how the promise will be fulfilled in your life.

Recommended Resource:
God’s Promises for You: Scripture Selections from Max Lucado

Church groups and the South African government are working together to prevent the proliferation of human trafficking at the month-long South African World Cup which starts on June 11.

It has been estimated that some 40,000 to 100,000 people may be trafficked during the football spectacular, in a sex trade industry where children can earn $45 to $600 a night for their captors, the Christian Post said.

FIFA is expected to attract up to 350,000 overseas visitors from some 53 countries.

The event will be held in 10 venues scattered around nine South African host cities, according to The Guardian.

Last May 21 South Africa’s President Zuma launched Child Protection Week and the Children’s Act.  A new law was also fast tracked against human trafficking prior to the World Cup, to give South African courts jurisdiction over human trafficking acts outside the country’s borders, the Christian Post reported.

Prior to that, from May 18 to 19, the Interregional Meeting of Bishops of Southern Africa met in Johannesburg, where bishops from Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe discussed the problem of human trafficking in their region, the Christian Post said.

IMBISA director Fr. Richard Menatsi said in his opening remarks that some 300 women and children are trafficked weekly from Mozambique into South Africa, the Christian Post said.

In a statement the bishops said, “It has been noted that [FIFA] has become a way of sending people to traffickers…especially girls who are told that they will be waitresses or tour guides for the visitors,” the Christian Post said.

Meanwhile Christian Brothers Investment Services, which manages $3.8 billion for Catholic institutions worldwide, sent two letters on April 12 and April 20 to CEOs and owners of eight hotel chains in South Africa, including InterContinental, Hyatt, Starwood, Accor, Carlson and Best Western. The CBIS asked hotel operators to take action to prevent sexual exploitation of children and other human trafficking crimes, the Christian Post said.

UNICEF (a secular group) is also contributing to the effort with four free FIFA Fan Fests which provide Child-Friendly Spaces.  These spaces have social workers, child and youth care workers, and trained volunteers to provide child protection services, emergency care and child-appropriate activities, according to their website.

FIFA is perceived to play a large role in helping South Africa’s nation building efforts as its young democracy enters a new chapter in its post-apartheid history, according to The Guardian.

President Zuma takes the effort seriously.  The day before he launched Child Protection Week, he attended a mass prayer meeting for women, where he prayed for a successful World Cup, according to the Christian Post.

Question: “How should a Christian respond to persecution?”

Answer:
Theres no doubt that persecution is a stark reality of living the Christian life. The apostle Paul warned us that everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted (2 Timothy 3:12). Jesus told us to expect persecution from the world because if they persecuted Him, they will persecute His followers also. Jesus has made it very clear to us that those of the world will hate us because they hate Him. If Christians were like the worldvain, earthly, sensual, given to pleasure, wealth, ambition, the world would not oppose us. But Christians do not belong to the world which is why they hate and persecute us (John 15:18-19). Christians are, or should be, influenced by different principles from those of the world. We are motivated by the love of God and holiness, while the world is driven by the love of sin. It is our very separation from the world that arouses the world’s animosity toward us. The world would prefer that we were like them; since we are not, they hate us (1 Peter 4:3-4).

As faithful Christians, we must learn to recognize the value of persecution and even to rejoice in it, not in an ostentatious way, but quietly and humbly because persecution has great spiritual value. First, persecution allows us to share in a unique fellowship with our Lord. In his letter to the Philippians, Paul outlined a number of things he surrendered for the cause of Christ. Such losses, however, he viewed as rubbish (Philippians 3:8), or dung (KJV), that he might share in the fellowship of Christs sufferings (Philippians 3:10). The noble apostle even counted his chains as a grace (favor) which God had bestowed upon him (Philippians 1:7).

Secondly, in all truth, persecution is good for us. James argues that trials test our faith, work or develop (endurance) in our lives, and help develop maturity (James 1:2-4). For as steel is tempered in the flames of the forge, trials and persecution serve to hone down those rough edges that tarnish our character. Yielding graciously to persecution allows one to demonstrate that he is of a superior quality than his adversaries. Its easy to be hateful, but an ugly disposition throws a light upon our human weakness. It is much more Christ-like to remain calm and to respond in kindness in the face of evil opposition. Without question this is a tremendous challenge, but we have the power of the Holy Spirit within us and the wonderful example of the Lord to encourage us. Peter says of Jesus: When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to Him who judges justly (1 Peter 2:23).

Third, persecution enables us to value the support of true friends. Conflict sometimes brings faithful children of God together in an encouraging and supportive way they might not have known otherwise. Hardship can stimulate the Lords people toward a greater resolve to love and comfort one another and lift one another to the throne of grace in prayer. Theres nothing like an unpleasant incident to help the more mature rise toward a greater level of brotherly love.

So, when we think about it seriously, we can move ourselves forward, even in the face of antagonism, whether from the world or within the church, and press on. We can thank God for His grace and for His patience with us. We can express gratitude for those whom we love in the Lord and who stand with us in times of distress. And we can pray for those who would accuse, misuse, or abuse us (2 Corinthians 11:24; Romans 10:1).

Recommended Resource:
Foxe’s Book of Martyrs by John Foxe